TNAG-2448-FCO40-3564-Elections-in-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1992 — Page 33

28-OCT-1992 17:18

A.G.'S CHAMBERS

:

N

I

+852 877 2130

P.06

•

made

clear that

they

could not agree to Mr Hurd's

proposals on directly elected seats.

31

Third, a further message from Mr Hurd to Mr Qian of January 1990. Mr Hurd drew attention to the real concern and disappointment in Hong Kong over the outcome of the recently held Basic Law Drafting Committee Special Group Meeting. He pointed out that there were two differences between the two sides: the

number of directly elected seats and the question of compatibility of systems before and after 1997. He pressed again for an increase in directly elected seats.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring that any Grand Electoral College or Election Committee used to elect members of the legislature should be a fully representative body constituted in an open way. He went on to say that it would be important that the details of the composition and constitution of any Grand Electoral College were made clear to Hong Kong people to reassure them about the nature of their proposed future political system.

Fourth, a reply from Mr Qian of 3 February 1990. He regretted that the British side had failed to make any concessions. He turned down the offer which had been made by Mr Hurd for British officials to travel to Peking for further discussion of these matters.

Fifth, three papers which were handed to the Chinese side on 6 February 1990 on the Election Committee, on voting procedures for the SAR legislature, and on the Chinese nationality

for the SAR

legislature.

requirements